Difference Between Vent Free & Vented Gas Fireplaces

Types

• A vent-free gas fireplace connects directly to a gas line and neither a chimney or venting is necessary for a relative safe burning flame. The vented gas fireplace requires venting from the firebox to the exterior of the house either through an outside wall or through the roof. Vented fireplaces offer several different options for venting, including direct-vent, B-vent and top-vent.

Installation

• Vent free fireplaces can be installed without making a hole in the roof or the wall, allowing installation in places where venting is problematic, such as in a corner or on a lower level, interior wall of a two-story home.

  Vented gas fireplaces require planning for ventilation to the outside. Direct-vent fireplaces can be installed just about anywhere that a horizontal pipe can exit through a wall, including under a window. A wood burning fireplace chimney can be modified with a B-vent pipe to accommodate a gas fireplace.

Features

• Vent-free fireplaces operate at such a hot temperature that the results are nearly totally clean combustion and consequently do not require venting. An oxygen detection safety pilot automatically shuts off the gas supply if the oxygen level falls to a dangerous level. The result is a highly efficient heating source with relative easy installation.

  Venting for direct-vent fireplaces draws outside air in and the exhaust out with a coaxial pipe system providing extremely efficient heating. Direct-vent fireplaces always have an enclosed front. B-vent and top-vent installations allow the fireplace to have an open front, with a wire mesh screen or moveable glass doors. However, they provide less efficient heating because they use indoor air for combustion.

Considerations

• Deciding on which type of gas fireplace is best suited for a particular need depends on the desired location of the fireplace, the optimal heating efficiency required and the preferred aesthetics of the flame. If venting isn't a problem and high-efficiency heating is a priority, a direct-vent may be the better choice. Opt for the B-vented fireplace if visual ambiance is more important. However, if venting through the wall or roof is a concern and high-efficient heating is a priority, consider the vent-free gas fireplace.

Concerns

• The Vent-Free Gas Products Alliance states that a study by the American Gas Association proved that vent-free gas heating products met or exceeded indoor air quality standards. However, vent-free gas fireplaces are prohibited in some states, cities and countries and at certain altitudes. Refer to area building codes before you purchase and install any gas fireplace. Additionally, every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, especially when using a fireplace of any kind.